The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

WHAT IT IS
The eagerly awaited bazooka version of the third-generation Cadillac CTS, designed to fight for America’s honor against its European competitors. Unfortunately, this time around, there won’t be a station wagon or a coupe—or a manual option. That’s a crime, but the automatic sedan is what sells.

WHY IT MATTERS

The first two generations of this velvet Vette have given Cadillac credibility among enthusiasts. The next one will sand down the few rough edges of its predecessors. The CTS-V is a halo car for the brand and for GM as a whole.

PLATFORM

Broadly speaking, the CTS-V will use the ATS/CTS “Alpha” architecture, but with more aluminum onboard.

POWERTRAIN

Power will come from a supercharged V-8, most likely the 6.2-liter LT4 from the new Corvette Z06. It will make at least 600 horsepower and send the squawk to the rear tires through GM’s new eight-speed automatic.